Mysophobia: When Cleanliness Becomes a Problem. Howie Mandell, Donald Trump, Cameron Diaz and Glenn Beck Are Mysophobic. Mysophobia is Another Name for Germaphobia
Mysophobes/Germaphobes Are Obsessed with Cleanliness and Sanitation
Television and the news warn that disease carrying germs are everywhere, just waiting to get us. New cleaning products are constantly being marketed, and we better buy them if we want to stay healthy.
We hear that dangerous germs exist on everything we touch; from doorknobs, telephones, remote controls, salt shakers, computers, public toilets, as well as patting the dog and shaking hands. The list is endless.
Most of us have a few situations that trigger our own germaphobia. I positively avoid swimming in public pools, especially if there are babies and young kids in the water. I also use a paper towel or tissue to cover door handles of public restrooms. However, even though I do these things, I don't worry about them.
Mysophobics and Germaphobics are obsessive about avoiding the germs around them. They suffer great anxiety. They must perform ritualistic cleaning and activities to ease that anxiety.
Mysophobia/Germaphobia) is an abnormal mental condition. People who are germaphobic may perform certain actions such as frequent hand washing and disinfecting their surroundings, over and over again, but they still aren't convinced the germs are gone.These activities cause the individual extreme stress, and may interfere with life in general
If you are a germaphobe, life is difficult. Everyday you go to extreme lengths to protect yourself and fight germs that can be anywhere. You fight a never ending battle. Mysophobia/Germaphobia is linked to (OCD) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
What causes the compulsion to clean?
Scientists have determined that Germaphobia is caused by abnormal brain activity resulting in an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Brain scans have showed this to be true.
There may be a genetic factor as well as emotional trauma involved, since many germaphobes recall symptoms beginning in childhood. An infected cut, or worry about a cut becoming infected, might have triggered Mysophobia./Germaphobia. There also can be low levels of serotonin in the brain.
When does cleanliness become a problem?
Every office has its neat freak. We all know someone whose surroundings and self are always amazingly clean. I personally like everything clean and neat, and cannot go to bed leaving dirty dishes in the sink, but I don't consider myself germaphobic.
It is difficult to tell if an individual is germaphobic, since Germaphobia can be a secret and shameful disease.
A clinician looks for these signs.
* The obsession is taking over the person's life.
* The individual spends hours a day in ritualistic cleaning.
* The person must perform the cleaning ritual to relieve anxiety.
* The person knows the behavior is foolish but can't stop it.
* The individual has become socially isolated.
Treatment and relief from Mysophobia/Germaphobia.
* Cognitive and Behavioral therapy, in which the cause is diagnosed and treated.
* Meditation and Hypnosis
* Desensitization
* Medication such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil
* New Energy Therapy which is called Emotional Acupuncture
Famous Germaphobes
Howie Mandel has "come out" about his Germaphobia, and makes fun of it in his comedy routines. He has a sign on his website showing a slash through a handshake. He is the Hollywood poster boy for Germaphobia.
Donald Trump does not shake hands either. He always has a hand sanitizer nearby. Cameron Diaz opens doors with her elbows. Diane Keaton covers her body completely with clothing, and even wears gloves. Popular tea partier Glenn Beck admits to being germaphobic. The late Saddam Hussein ordered visitors to strip and wash with antibacterial soap before he would see them.
The public has become bored with celebrity eating and addiction disorders. Perhaps Mysophobia/Germaphobia is the new in-disease.
Sources:
Wikipedia: Mysophobia
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=46748
Published by Memmay Moore
I am a transfer to Tampa from Boston where I had many years experience in health and nutrition education. I am now enjoying a new career in writing and photography. View profile
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Self-Help Guide from an OCD SuffererThis is a self-help guide with relation to obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as other anxiety disorders told from a first-hand account of suffering from it for years.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: What it Means, Why it Happens and How to...Some basic information on what causes obsessive compulsive disorder.- Obsessive Compulsive DisorderThis article will provide a brief overview of obsessive compulsive disorder.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Children Who HoardChildren can also be affected with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Learn of a natural cure that worked for one little boy with OCD hoarding.
General Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in ChildrenI have a beautiful, smart, little boy named Jules. He is the light of our entire family's life. Everyday is a struggle for him; he suffers from GAD, General Anxiety Disorder. He...
- Tips for Living with a Germaphobe
- What Are the Different Phobias?
- Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - An Anxiety Disorder Revealed
- Living with Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder